Why Is My Dishwasher Making Noise?

Excessive noise coming from a dishwasher is equal-parts annoying and worrisome, but there's no need to resign yourself to hand-washing the dishes - we've got some info on three common dishwasher noises, their causes, and the best ways to fix them!

My Dishwasher Is Making a Grinding Noise

One possible cause of a grinding noise is debris stuck inside the dishwasher's motor or pump assembly. Food particles can build up over time and end up creating a layer of grit that causes a grinding noise during a dishwasher cycle. If you suspect this is the case, remove the bottom rack from your dishwasher and check for any debris that might be caught around the lower spray arm. If there's nothing to be seen there, the motor and pump assembly may be where the debris lies. Since removing a motor and pump assembly is a pretty significant undertaking, it should be performed by an experienced professional. Another possible cause of the grinding noise could be worn-down motor bearings - years of exposure to hot water and steam can weaken the bearings' rubber. If this is the case, replacing the bearings is another task that is best performed by a professional.

My Dishwasher Is Making a Buzzing Noise

Sometimes a buzzing noise during a cycle is simply a result of items inside the dishwasher vibrating against one another. Try running it while empty to see if the buzzing is coming from the machine itself rather than a few renegade dishes or cups. If it's happening without the dishes, the problem may be a shard of plastic or broken glass from an earlier breakage. To fix this problem, shut down all power to your dishwasher, then twist and remove your dishwasher filter. Use a brush to clean the filter out, being careful not to hurt your hand with any broken glass that may be caught inside. If the filter is clean, there could be debris caught in the pump intake, which should also be removed and cleaned. Another possibility is that the dishwasher's motor fan may be in need of replacement, but this requires removal of the front panel and an installation which should be done by an experienced professional.

My Dishwasher Is Making a High-Pitched Squeal

If your dishwasher is new, or if it's running for the first time after a long hiatus, the pump seals may be dry which can lead to a squealing sound during operation. If this is the cause, the seals should become properly moistened after this cycle, and your next dishwasher load should be squeal-free. If the noise is truly unbearable, pouring a quart of water into the bottom of your dishwasher oughta shut it up. As with any other issue, calling in a professional is probably the way to go if the problem continues to persist.

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